Running my pup in started this weekend

[Jon Hass]

I will be running my 11 mo old BLF in her first UKC started trial this weekend in Kinston, NC. I know she is capable of doing the job. I am just nervous. are there any little things I need to focus on this week while training to ensure she is set and ready to go.

[Fall Flight]

Make sure she has been introduced to decoys. Let the gunner shoot for you and don't let the dog go until the duck has hit the water. Bring your dog to the line on lead and when she is finished running put her back on lead. Relax have fun....and remember tho thank the judges.

[Snicklefritz]

Watch your dog, not the mark! Make sure he's looking downfield when you call for the bird. Don't send the dog if his head is swinging around with excitement.

Best of Luck - and have fun.

[fishduck]

You will find you have a different dog at hunt tests. They feed on the excitement of the event. If you get excited your dog will feed on that also. I wouldn't bother running if my pulse didn't elevate but don't show that to the dog. Keep all movements slow and fluid coming to the line. All commands need to be in the same tone you train with. The problem is normally not the marks but adrenaline. Control that and the ribbons will come.
Mark L.

[bruce]

Remember you own the line and there is no clock. The folks sitting behind you are more than likely watching the dog and not you. Settle in let your pup settle in and then call for the birds. In HRC you can usually count on a duck call from the gunner blind to get your pup’s attention prior to the launch of the dead bird. Before you go to the line be sure you get a bird and familiarize your pup with one from the test if possible, (different methods of euthanizing the ducks produce different smells and tastes) I do not think of this as training rather familiarizing with the cold game to be retrieved. Good Luck and remember to buy some raffle tickets… We where all new once upon a time ... Relax have fun

Bruce, Buster and Graci

[Clark Mason]

The good news is you'll be running with a great group of folks - the EC HRC put on a great hunt.

Take some advice from a newbie who got burnt by this - take the pup out for a LONG run in the morning. Let her burn off some steam and satisfy the sniffies before you get to the site.

[Montview]

I don't have any suggestions since I'm brand new at all of this, but I just wanted to wish you the best of luck!

[TXduckdog]

Piece of cake.....water retrieve and land retrieve....shouldn't be more than 30-40 yards.

If your pup knows 'mark' and focus's on the duck call...she'll hammer it.

[Jon Hass]

Thanks everyone.
So far everyone I know here has told me Codie will have no problem with the event. I hope that is true. Thanks for the advice.

[Jon Hass]

She passed on both days. I was a nervous wreck though. She did everything that she is supposed to and nothing she wasn't. I now have two beautiful red and white ribbons that are already on the wall at home. Thanks again to everyone that put in there two since worth.